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DIY Christmas Ornaments Your Kids Will Love

You've known it was Christmas season since Starbucks debuted their red cups, but it may not have sunk in with your little one that Santa is coming very soon. Get your sweetheart in the holiday spirit with these fun DIY ornaments to make with your kids that will spruce up your tree for years to come.

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Rudolph, What's So Puzzling?

Light up your Christmas tree this season with none other than Santa's favorite reindeer! (After all, he did lead Santa's sleigh that one foggy Christmas Eve.) All you need are five puzzle pieces, some brown paint, a red M&M, and googly eyes. First, place some newspaper over a surface and help your peanut paint each puzzle piece a nice, light shade of brown. After the paint has dried, create the shape of a reindeer's face. To do this, simply place two puzzle pieces on top of one another, one vertical piece on the bottom, and two vertically diagonal pieces on the top. Add in the googly eyes and the red M&M nose, and there you have your very own Rudolph!

(Note: Remember to carefully monitor your child as she works with googly eyes and M&Ms as they are potential choking hazards.)

Hand(made) Print

Not only is this craft entertaining for both you and your merry munchkins, but it also creates a nice keepsake for years to come. You will need 4 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt, and 1 ½ cups of water. First, combine all the ingredients in a big bowl, and then knead the newly created dough for 15 to 20 minutes. Roll out the dough and cut out circles that are just large enough to fit your sweetie's small handprint. Let your pipsqueak press his print in the circle, and then make a small hole at the top for the hanger. Bake in the oven at 300 degrees for about 20 to 25 minutes until nice and golden.

Spirited Snowmen

Did you know that you could make snowmen inside too? Well, maybe not made with snow, but these are just as cute. You will need a plain bulb ornament (you can find one at your local craft store), white acrylic paint, a paint brush, permanent markers, and your tot's teensy hands. First, carefully paint your kiddie's entire hand — she'll love how the brush tickles her palm. Help her grab the bulb and press with her hand, being careful not to move her fingers. Use the marker to draw a scarf, hat, eyes, nose, arms, and buttons. Lastly, write in your child's name and the year before adding a string and hanging your masterpiece on the tree.

Fabulous Flakes

Start dreaming of a white Christmas — 'cause this ornament craft will make your treetop glisten and (hopefully) your children listen! You will need white Crayola model magic (which you can find at your local craft or supplies store), a snowflake-shaped cookie cutter, a rolling pin, a straw, and a ribbon. First, roll out the model magic so that it is about ¼ to ½ inches thick. Then use your cookie cutter to cut out a snowflake-shape and make a small hole at the top. Allow each flake to dry for about 24 to 28 hours, turning them over about halfway through the cooking process. Once dry, hang each flake with a ribbon.

Photo Fun for All

This craft is more for Mom, but the kids will have fun contributing to the creation. Find a local photo booth at a nearby mall and take sweet, loving, and funny photos with your family. On a piece of computer paper, write a family saying or favorite quote. Then cut out each photo set and handwritten sentiment into strips and arrange them in a criss-cross fashion, one on top of the other, alternating photos with the written script. Staple the center where all the strips meet and then bring the ends together to create a ball. Secure the strips at the bottom with the stapler, and add a bow to the top.

A Munchkin-Made Masterpiece

Grab some clay for you and your creative companion and get right to work! Other materials you will need include some textural objects like leaves, doilies, clothespins, and cookie cutters. After rolling out the clay, use the cookie cutters to create fun shapes and designs. Then simply use the objects you found to press onto the various pieces of clay. This will create beautiful impressions that make for a great design. At the end of the craft, simply write in the year and your child's name using a pencil or pen, and pop in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes.

Festive Fruit

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but little did you know it can also create the perfect ornament for your adorable little elf. This craft is fun and easy, and the results are beautiful. All you need is an apple, white paper (or a canvas for a sturdier base), various colored paints, and some brown and green Sharpies. Carefully slice the apple in half and help your little one dip the slice into one of the paint shades. Then, help her press the apple slice onto the paper and hold for a few seconds. Draw on some stems and leaves with marker. Cut out your paper apples and cut a small hole in the middle so you can add string to hang it on the tree.

Glitz and Glam

Believe it or not, this glitter-infused ornament makes no mess — and it's even easy for your little one! The trick to this craft is keeping the glitter on the inside so your clothes stay the same color (and texture) they were when you started. You will need one clear ornament (which you can buy at your local craft supply store), adhesive, water, fine glitter, and any embellishments you will want to decorate the ornament with once the craft is completed. Combine the adhesive with a little water so that it makes a runny mixture and pour into the glass ornament. Roll your ornament around so that the interior is completely covered — just make sure not to shake the ornament, as that can cause the glue to clump. Next, add in your glitter and give it a good roll. Dump out the excess glitter and simply put the top back on the ornament.

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